The crystal meth package was smuggled from Malaysia into Riau through sea and would be transported to Jakarta by landJakarta (ANTARA) - The National Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) foiled an attempt of two drug couriers to smuggle 70 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine from Malaysia into the Indonesian capital city, Jakarta.
“The national police’s investigators received a tip-off on the arrival of this drug package at Bagan Siapi-Api in Riau Province,” Deputy Director of Law Enforcement on Drug Crimes Sen. Coms. Krisno Halomoan Siregar stated here on Tuesday.
The crystal meth package was smuggled from Malaysia into Riau through sea and would be transported to Jakarta by land. To conceal the drug to hoodwink the Indonesian authorities, the package was then covered and mixed with salted fish and coffee, he stated.
The drug raid operation also resulted in the arrest of two suspects, only identified by their initials as DN alias AH, 32, and SB alias KB, 34. The two suspected couriers are the residents of Tangerang, Banten Province.
The suspects were apprehended at Sepatan Mas kiosk’s parking lot on Saturday (Jan 18) during which the police investigators seized 45 kg of crystal meth concealed in two cardboards while another 25 kg of crystal meth was confiscated at the suspects’ house in Lebak Wangi Village.
In uncovering this drug case, the Indonesian police have coordinated with their colleagues from the Malaysian National Police.
The Indonesian police charged the two suspects with Article 114, point 2, and Article 132, point 1, of Drug Law, he added.
Indonesia remains under grave threat from drug dealers, as several individuals from its working-age population have been embroiled in a vicious circle.
Both domestic and transnational drug dealers perceive Indonesia as one of their potential markets due to its large population and millions of drug users. The drug trade in the country is estimated to reach nearly Rp66 trillion.
According to the National Narcotics Agency's (BNN's) report, some 50 drug use-related deaths occur in a day in Indonesia. However, their deaths have failed to deter other drug users in the country from consuming these banned substances.
Users of crystal methamphetamine, narcotics, marijuana, and other addictive drugs transcend communities and socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Related news: Papua police seize 147 packs of crystal meth in Timika
Related news: Two Thais stand trial for possessing crystal meth
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Anita PD, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
